NF500 / rumours

The same red Fiat 500 Abarth that was caught testing last month and seen on WorldCarFans.com has  popped up again, and this time Evo have the exclusive photographs on their website.

Disappointingly there’s only two images, and the text does nothing more than reitterate previous rumours, with Evo claiming there will be a 135 hp Abarth, an Abarth 500 SS with 150 hp, plus a more powerful 200 hp version.  The 200 hp hot 500 is most likely (sadly) to be used exclusively in a one-make race series Fiat are rumoured to be planning for launch some time in 2008.

With all the talk of the “retro battle” between the Fiat 500 and the new MINI, or at least of how Fiat can benefit from the success of the MINI and learn from BMWs approach, the Ford Ka has been a little overlooked.  Until this week, when Car Magazine’s online publication posted more (rumoured) details of the upcoming budget Ford, which has sparked a fair bit of interest (and indeed, this very article).

The article itself doesn’t offer very much by way of new information, but does tie together some previous reports and rumours in a neat, easily digestible package.

The reason this could be of interest to Fiat 500 fans is the fact that the new Ford Ka is based on the Fiat 500 platform, and Car claim it will also mimic the baby Fiat in almost every other way.  Same engines, different tuning packages, a convertible, a larger “SUV” variant.  Basically everything the 500 will do, the Ford Ka will do.  But cheaper.

And here’s the reason we feel the Ka, not the MINI, Beetle, or any other cool car is the one to watch with regards to the success of the 500.

Very few dispute the Fiat 500’s looks, charms, and unique appeal.  But Ford have also been raising their game in terms of quality and style recently, winning over many with their latest Mondeo as the best vehicle Ford have made in a long time.  If the Ka can carry on that trend of quality and style then it could grab sales from Fiat as the sensible, budget equivalent of the 500.

True, the Fiat is retro and chic, while the Ford Ka will without doubt go for a modern, even futuristic style.  But in the same way some knocked the Beetle for being a “Golf in a skirt”, the 500 may be seen as Ka in a pretty frock.   And if you do want to continue the MINI - 500 references, the unique platform of the MINI was a strong selling point for BMW.

I guess the question is, “for what price style?” and Fiat will have to be careful to continue to get the balance right when the Ford hits the scene in 2008.

In case you’re concerned that the new Fiat 500, despite it’s charms, may be a little “soft” for your liking, then this recent video posted to YouTube may help change your mind.

The Fiat 500 is quite clearly being pitched at a cross-over audience with the MINI Cooper, and the hot Abarth variant could well be the model to tempt some of those who appreciate the MINIs uncanny knack of matching “show” with plenty of “go”.

There’s plenty of rumours doing the rounds regarding the new Fiat 500 Abarth, which state the output between around 130 to 150 hp, but as the old cliché goes power is nothing without control. This Nurburgring video certainly seems to show positive signs on all fronts. And we think you’ll agree, the sounds is pretty impressive too.